Are Yellow Jackets Wasps?
As spring continues and we approach summer, it will become more and more evident that Colorado has many wasps. They’re a native insect that drives homeowners and barbeque attendees to aggravation. However, there’s some confusion about wasps and specifically yellow jackets. Yellow jackets look like a wasp but have many attributes that differentiate them from a typical wasp. That leads to the question, are yellow jackets wasps? And what are the differences between the two pests? Well, Bee Smart Pest Control has all the answers you need!
So, are Yellow Jackets a Type of Wasp?
The short answer is yes. Wasps are typically described as being an insect from the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita which are not bees or ants. Since yellow jackets are in the suborder Apocrita and are clearly not ants, nor are they bees, they count. In fact, hornets are also a species of wasp. However, there are still quite a few differences between your typical wasp and their yellow-jacketed cousins.
The Differences Between Yellow Jackets and Wasps
Color
Wasps are known for their yellow and black color schemes. However, wasps come in a wide variety of colors, including red and blue hues. Yellow jackets only come in their signature yellow and black. However, yellow jackets have much more yellow. Wasps that sport yellow and black typically have more black in their coloration than yellow.
Style of Flight
While in flight wasps tend to have their legs splayed out underneath them. The outstretched limbs are not shared with their cousins. Yellow jackets fly with their legs tucked underneath themselves. They have a more aerodynamic look to them. While you shouldn’t get close to any stinging insects, you can pretty easily tell if you’re looking at a yellow jacket or their much more varied cousins by how they look in flight.
Nests
Wasps have many styles of nests they can make, however, the most well-known are the nests of paper wasps. These nests are made of a substance that nearly feels like paper mache. They typically try to roost in a dry place up high, preferably in a corner. That makes many homes a prime candidate for a wasp nest. However, yellow jackets make their nests underground or in stumps. These hives have one hole to enter and exit from.
Behavior
The biggest difference between these two pests is their behavior. Wasps are generally pretty docile and prefer to avoid humans. However, they will attack if provoked, like if you attack their hive. On the other hand, yellow jackets are aggressive. They’ll happily attack unprovoked and will swarm around anything that comes close to their nests. Yellow jackets should be avoided if at all possible.
Call a Professional if You Have an Infestation
Wasps consider many homes a perfect place for nests, and yellow jackets are very aggressive and should be avoided if at all possible. If you want to make sure you don’t have a pest problem, contact Bee Smart Pest Control. We offer many pest control programs to keep your home safe year-round, and Bee Smart Pest Control will help you get a personalized solution. Bee Smart Pest Control is a local business, so we understand the nuances of Colorado pest control and use chemicals that aren’t harmful to your family or pets. We pride ourselves on our safety and ability to relate to our customers on a personal level. Contact Bee Smart Pest Control online, or call us at 720-937-0527, to get a solution for your exact pest control problem today!